(Often, depression gets worse when people have nowhere to go during the day, so, despite your best intentions, his not having to work may have made things worse.). He won’t take the needed medication to maintain his symptoms. It was during that first short period of stability Bob decided to stop taking his meds. And knowing the reason the person quits using the medicine can help. He is extremely out of control and has left his family. I supported us both so he could get treated. Order Dr. Rodman’s newest book, 52 Emails to Transform Your Marriage and order her first book: How to Talk to Your Kids about Your Divorce: Healthy, Effective Communication Techniques for Your Changing Family, This blog is not intended as medical advice or diagnosis and should in no way replace consultation with a medical professional. The reason: They just refuses. If you're prescribed lithium, stick to the prescribed dose and do not stop taking it suddenly unless told to by your doctor. Medications for bipolar disorder are powerful drugs, and you must take them exactly as your doctor recommends. Adjusting the dose or changing when they take it may help ease side effects. UK guidance for the treatment of bipolar disorder has an emphasis on medication. If the person who refuses treatment is unwell but can still discuss things (e.g. ", Bipolar Caregivers: "Bipolar Medication -- Important Points," "If the Person Refuses to Get Treatment. Studies, however, suggest that it is a less important reason than the three reasons discussed above. Encourage them to tell their doctor. Often, when people feel insecure about themselves, they either choose or choose to remain with partners who basically make them look “normal” in comparison. Mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). He sees me as the enemy and I’m just crushed. I’m totally lost and hurt. Learn how your comment data is processed. Research shows that many of those who stop often find their symptoms return within a year. A severe bipolar episode can cause extreme or even dangerous behavior. This can include suicide attempts or threats against others. Your email address will not be published. They are an invaluable part of treatment for bipolar disorder and if you have been prescribed medications by your psychiatrist, you must take them. She was right. Since drug therapy is an important component of treatment for bipolar disor… The reason I gave you that name is because you’re in a common situation for partners of people who have bipolar disorder. If that doesn't work, their doctor may change their medication. Reassure them that most people are eventually glad they stuck with the process because they end up feeling a lot better. But I’m not professional and I could be reading more into the books. If your loved one is taking medication but talking about stopping, urge them to discuss it with their doctor. Form healthy relationships. That is until late October 2016, this is when I found out he suffers from severe bipolar. I know untreated we have no life together. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. He is unwell, to put it very mildly. I don’t understand how a 52 year old man cannot see that he needs medicine to live a better life. You can't make someone take medication. Make sure you tell them that you care about them, that you believe medication is key to their being well, and that you'll be there to support and help them along the way. Get help if you have trouble quitting on your own. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking medications prescribed by a mental health professional. If his dad looks down on therapy or medication, it is unlikely that your husband will begin any type of treatment. ... How likely you are to take the medication consistently. He takes his medicine, but it doesn’t seem to help. During the work week I have to take my night cocktail at 7:30 because it doesn’t kick in until 9 or later depending on how tired I am. I empathize with your husband and his awful childhood and dysfunctional family, but it also does not seem likely that he is going to change or individuate from them any time soon. I'm super sensitive to medication, so I'm on a low dosage (62mg (2.5 25mg tablets), but every time my dosage has gone up even a small increment, I've gained weight. And watching this happen, as a loved one, is extremely painful. That was when the penny dropped for me. ). Medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and antidepressants. If you try this advice and it does not work for you, you cannot sue me. Sometimes, a person who is manic or severely depressed may still refuse treatment. You knew from two years in that your husband was bipolar and refused meds, but I think you couldn’t bring yourself to look at this situation objectively because you feel so much sympathy for him and his terrible childhood. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You likely met your husband when he was in a hypomanic phase, which is like a lower level of mania. ( e.g him not to work and seek help many ways love the man I got to for... American adults, and it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment n't work their! Childhood wasn ’ t understand how his family '' `` if the person to... Return within a year next morning reason the person refuses to take my medicine at night, the Blogapist Says. You try this advice and it doesn ’ t seem to help moderate the depression mania... 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